A Raisin In The Sun

Angeline, Ana, Stephanie, Kai'la

A Raisin In The Sun

Angeline, Ana, Stephanie, Kai'la

Thesis Statement

In the play, "A Raisin In The Sun" provides many dreams to show the Younger's family dreams being attainable. Therefore, in the novel there are dreams such as Walter trying to achieve having his own business, having wealth for his family, or Beneatha's dream in becoming a doctor, and Mama's dream of having her own garden also for her family to have a home that they can be proud of, and for everyone to achieve their dreams. Overall , the play or novel of "A Raisin In The Sun" shows the American Dream is attainable because it does not offended nor worry Mama that she is African American , she goes out and buys a home whether Mr.Linder and the white folks disagree.

Conflict

Man vs Man, this conflict fits perfect in the situation where BoBo and Walter vs Willy Harris. It fits because Walter, Bobo and Willy Harris were all supposed to be in business together to invest in a liquor store but Will run offs with all of the money as soon as they both hand him the money. This then has Walter and Bobo upset and worried for example Walter states to to Bobo "Gone, what you mean Willy is gone?"Gone where? You mean he went by himself. You mean he went off to Springfield by himself- to take care of getting the license-" this statement and the picture provides Walter worries and stress because he knew that part of that money Mama gave him was to help out Beneatha's schooling. This also connects to 'Family Values' because Walter knew how important this check was for his sister.

Characterization & Quest for the American Dream

Walter: Walter is based on more of manhood and hard work. He believes in having good wealth to support his family. He struggles to support his family and then tries to discover new and better schemes to secure its economic prosperity. His dream revolves around money and how money solves everything. Yet Walter actions still connect to Family Values , for example Walter tells Travis to sit down with him to discuss about what he wants to be in life he states to Travis “All the great schools in the world! And-and I’ll say, all right son- it’s your seventeenth birthday, what is it you’ve decided? Just tell me, what it is you’ve decided? Just tell me what it is you want to be- and you’ll be it it..” These both visual and text evidence provides 'Family Values' because even though Walter is always discussing about money , he wants the best for his son.

Characterization & Quest for the American Dream

Mama: Mama's personality revolves around more of her family. She demands that each family member has respect for themselves and to take pride in their dreams. Mama also has her morals and provides her perspective from an older generation. Material wealth isn't as more important than dreams. Mama's dream is to have her own garden and a house for everyone to be proud in having. Mama's dream connects to 'Family Values' because she isn't only thinking about herself she is thinking about her family as well; for example in the text she states "Crazy 'bout his children! God knows there was plenty wrong with Walter Younger- hard headed, mean, kind of wild with the women-plenty wrong with him. But he sure loved his children. Always wanted them to have something-be something." this quote and visual show that Mama knows that her husband wants their kids to be whatever they want to be.

Symbolism

Mama's Plant: Mama’s plant is portrayed as the most important symbol, because it shows how both Mama’s care and her dream for her family is significant. In the first act, Mama goes to take care of her plant and she mourns on the fact that the plant never gets enough light or water. She takes pride in how her plant always keeps growing despite the lack of necessities required to have successful plant growth. There is a similarity between the care Mama gives towards her plant and the care she gives to her family, despite the fact that her family’s’ relationship is suffering. Also, the plant shows Mama’s dream to own a house with a garden so she can practice her gardening. For example, Travis states to momma “It’s a garden hat! Like the ladies always have on in the magazines when they work in their gardens” both text and visual evidence shows how much a garden means to Mama and that she has attained her dream in having a garden of her own.

Symbolism

Window: The window that has the plant in front of it holds a lot of hope for the Younger's family, as though it may not show much of the outside but it shows that with the plant outside there is something big waiting ahead for them. For example towards the end of the movie sunlight appears and in the novel the narrator states "the single window, the sole natural light the family may enjoy in the course of a day".

Symbolism

Walter Younger Picture: Throughout the play Mama is always looking at the frame or holding the frame of her husband. We believe that this plays a very important role in the Youngers family in achieving their dreams. Mama refers to her husband whenever the family is upset, worried or discouraged. Walter Younger holds hope for attaining each and every family member. For example when Walter stated to Linder " We come from people who had a lot of pride. I mean-we are very proud people".